đź”— Share this article Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. Yet, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games. His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages. However, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable. His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches. To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks. And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019. The Reason for the Purple Patch? What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly. "He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed." That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his former team. Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space. "He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal." "I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now." His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league. World Cup Dilemma Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall. The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form. "He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Stiff Rivalry However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis. "If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated. "He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament." In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."